Writers tapped for MI:4

Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec have been tapped to write the screenplay for “Mission : Impossible 4”. The writing duo had worked with producer J.J Abrams before – they were co-executive producers on TVs “Alias”.

“I’ve been looking forward to working with Josh and Andre again for years,” Abrams said of the duo, who wrote for TVs “October Road” and “Life on Mars” (the U.S one). “Their sense of balance between character and action is wonderful, which I know is hugely important to Tom as well. We’re off to an exciting start, so, as usual, fingers crossed.”

Applebaum, Nemec and Abrams dreamt up the storyline for the new sequel together.

While there were rumours there for a while suggesting Paramount may be chasing a new lead for the next chapter of the “Mission : Impossible” franchise (and also a whisper that the new film may be a prequel – suggesting a recast would also be in order),  Variety says Tom Cruise is still very much a part of the picture. Though it’s yet to be decided how much of a role Cruise’s Ethan Hunt will play in the film, he will indeed be part of the mix (I’m betting Hunt will be the guy in charge of IMF now – sending out a group of new, hot-shot agents out on their missions).

I loved “Mission : Impossible III” – thought it was fantastic. Didn’t do that great, but only because people were a little off on Cruise at the time. But it had a terrific script, some great action sequences, and probably the most energy of all three films. I think Abrams knocked it out of the park – and look forward to this new chapter. Hopefully he’ll consider directing.

“Mission : Impossible 4” is scheduled for a 2011 release.